A review by longaneyes_
DC vs. Vampires Vol. 2 by Matthew Rosenberg, James Tynion IV

4.25

This serves as a review for both Volumes 1 and 2.

WOW THIS WAS AMAZING. I'll be totally honest, I started reading this series shortly after the issues began coming out in late 2021 and early 2022. I remember reading the first 3 (?) issues and then stopping because that was all that had been released at the time, and I never got back into it. I still bought the issues as they came out (as well as the All-Out War issues and the one-shots in the middle) but I didn't actually read them. It wasn't until just a couple months ago that I actually decided to read them.

GOSH this was incredible. This is definitely my favorite comic series to date. It was absolutely phenomenal. I will say that I liked Volume 1 a little better than Volume 2, and I'll explain why. The first volume was obviously very foundational for the plot and setting. We're seeing all our beloved superhero characters and BOOM some of them are vampires. I LOVED that. The idea that any superhero could be a vampire and be the villain was SO cool to me. I also loved the dramatic irony and the mystery of it all. "Who's the vampire??" It was so fun!! Not to mention seeing the members of the Justice League gradually turning or dying was so interesting. All the twists and turns!!! Generally, the first half of this series was super suspenseful with GOOD action scenes that weren't overbearing. Just an absolute joy ride through it all.

Volume 2 was also phenomenal, but I will explain why I rated it slightly lower. While the first volume was a lot of suspense and "good guys vs. bad guys" and twists and turns and introduction to this exciting new universe, the second volume was a lot more plotting, scheming, and way more focused on the logistics of the human struggle and their fight back. In other words, Volume 1 was the rise of the vampires while Volume 2 was the plight of the humans (they should make those the official names of the volumes :)). As much as that's the second half of the story (and is therefore very much needed), it just wasn't as captivating as the first half. But I hesitate to say that because that makes it seem like I didn't enjoy Volume 2 which is CERTAINLY NOT TRUE. I loved every bit of this series. Volume 2 just didn't quite have the zeal of Volume 1. 

BUT THE ART OMG. Otto Schmidt is a new favorite artist after this oh my gosh. This man knows how to draw attractive characters holy cow. The color work was beautiful, dare I say, PERFECT. And his ability to draw long straight hair cannot be overstated. The way he draws hair is the way I want my hair to look. Every bit of the art was breathtaking, and I will definitely be looking for his work in the future. Absolutely top tier.

Volume 1: 4.75 stars
Volume 2: 4.25 stars